GERMANY AND COLONIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 March 1937, Page 12

GERMANY AND COLONIES

BRITISH POLICY UNCHANGED.

[BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON, February 27.

The “Daily Mail” says that Herr von Ribbentrop (German Ambassador) saw the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Eden) about colonies, and asked him again to examine the matter, but did not submit definite plans. Mr. Eden is understood to have informed Herr von Ribbentrop that the British policy had not altered since the declaration made in the House of Commons on July 27, when he explained that the colonial question concerned others besides Great Britain, and any alteration in the present situation would involve many difficulties. “NO REAL SUBSTANCE.” (Received March 1. 1 p.m.) LONDON, February 28. The Empire Economic Union has issued a report on the “British Colonial Empire and the German claim,” stressing that foreign nations cannot complain of their fiscal treatment. Britain does not draw tributes from her Mandates and Protectorates. On the contrary, she helps them when they are in financial difficulties, and administers them on the basis of the welfare of the inhabitants. They have been an expense, rather than an asset, economically.

The report, however, admits the strategic advantages, and emphasises that the Empire cannot run the risk of a Germany more militarist than before the war. establishing submarine and air bases, a large trained native army in Africa, and communications in Africa and the Far East. The bulk of the raw materials Germany desires are not in the African colonies. Her currency difficulties ■ are largely of her own making.

Mr Page-Croft, introducing the report. said that Germany's claims have no real substance. SWISS NEUTRALITY. BERNE. February 26. It was revealed at a meeting of the Swiss Federal Council that Herr Hitler recently told Cr. Schultheisen that Germany at all times would respect the integrity and neutrality of Switzerland, whose existence answered Europe’s need. The Federal Council expressed -at isfaction with thid declaration.